SSE is championing the Citizen Advice Bureau’s (CAB) Big Energy Saving Week – helping consumers take action to reduce their energy bills.
As a supporter of the campaign for the last three years, we have been working closely with CAB and others to raise awareness of the many ways we can help customers reduce their energy use and their bills.
It’s a great example of how the energy industry, government and charitable bodies can all work together to achieve one aim: to help people to reduce their energy bills.
New research for CAB has revealed that fewer than 1 in 5 people have insulated their home[*], despite it being one of the easiest and cheapest ways to save money on energy bills.
Insulating the loft in a typical three bedroom semi-detached house can save around £180 per year, while cavity wall insulation and a simple insulating jacket for your boiler can save the same again.
And with many of our customers eligible for free insulation, we can ensure they start seeing the benefits immediately.
That’s why this year SSE will carry out more than 100,000 energy saving measures as part of the Energy Company Obligation.
We know that even small day-to-day activities can make a big difference to bills. Changing to an A rated washing machine or fridge freezer can help save customers cash and so we will spend £2.5 million this year giving free white goods to those most in need.
We’ll also support our most vulnerable customers with our Priority Assistance Fund providing £3.5 million worth of support to customers on low incomes while around 350,000 will also receive a £135 Warm Home Discount on their bills.
Working with CAB and other bodies helps us ensure this support gets to the right people. Last year our CAB partnership put more than £700,000 in extra cash back into the pockets of our customers.
The vital thing for me is that more people know we are here to help. That’s why throughout this week SSE energy experts will be out and about offering advice on the changes people can make so their homes are warmer.
My 4,000-strong customer service team will also be providing advice on what customers can do to make savings. This includes everything from checking customers are on the right tariff for their needs, using the cheapest methods of payment like Direct Debit and paperless bills, as well as taking advantage of any funding assistance available to them.
We want to play a big part in Big Energy Saving Week and we’re here to help. Contact us on 08000 727 22 if you are worried about your bills or for more advice on saving energy and money. You can also find more energy efficiency advice and tips at:
[*] YouGov Plc Survey. Total sample size of 2,530 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th - 20th December 2013 online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).